Modular portable ultrasound systems

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a lightweight, high resolution portable ultrasound system using components and methods to improve connectivity and ease of use. A preferred embodiment includes an integrated system in which the beamformer control circuitry can be inserted into the host computer as a peripheral or within the processor housing. The modular system can include a docking assembly for a cart system having a console to operate the system and house additional communications and peripheral systems.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of Provisional Application No.60/525,208 filed Nov. 26, 2003 entitled: MODULAR PORTABLE ULTRASOUNDSYSTEM. The above application is incorporated entirely herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional ultrasound imaging systems typically include a hand-heldprobe coupled by cables to a large rack-mounted console processing anddisplay unit. The probe typically includes an array of ultrasonictransducers which transmit ultrasonic energy into a region beingexamined and receive reflected ultrasonic energy returning from theregion. The transducers convert the received ultrasonic energy intolow-level electrical signals which are transferred over the cable to theprocessing unit. The processing unit applies appropriate beam formingtechniques to combine the signals from the transducers to generate animage of the region of interest.

Typical conventional ultrasound systems include a transducer array eachtransducer being associated with its own processing circuitry located inthe console processing unit. The processing circuitry typically includesdriver circuits which, in the transmit mode, send precisely timed drivepulses to the transducer to initiate transmission of the ultrasonicsignal. These transmit timing pulses are forwarded from the consoleprocessing unit along the cable to the scan head. In the receive mode,beamforming circuits of the processing circuitry introduce theappropriate delay into each low-level electrical signal from thetransducers to dynamically focus the signals such that an accurate imagecan subsequently be generated.

There still remains a need to provide stand-alone processing ultrasoundunits with the necessary hardware, for example, connectors to enabletruly portable ultrasound systems that can function on an independentplatform. There is a need for an ultrasound transducer connectorassembly with an electrical connector of minimal mechanical complexity,size and cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The system and method of the present invention includes a hand heldtransducer probe that is connected by wire or wireless connection to alightweight processing unit including a housing and internal circuitryfor processing signals received from the probe. In a preferredembodiment the processing unit housing includes a display and manualand/or virtual controls that can control the display and processoroperation, and a battery providing power to the processor housing andthe transducer array. A preferred embodiment includes a console of acart system to provide control features of the modular system.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the processor housingincludes a transmit/receive (T/R) chip that communicates with thetransducer array. A system controller communicates with the T/R chip, alocal memory, a preamplifier/TGC chip, a charge domain beamformercircuit and a standard high speed communication interface such as IEEE1394 USB connection to a system processor.

A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a connector system tosecure the cable from the transducer probe to the processor housing. Theconnector system preferably uses a smaller lightweight connector thanprior art systems yet meeting the standard shielding and mechanicalstrength and integrity requirements for medical ultrasound imagingsystems.

A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a circuit thatidentifies the type of transducer array that has been connected to thehousing. The circuit can be a single integrated circuit contained in thehousing connector module that communicates with the processor and caninclude a memory storing calibration data for each probe. The displayscreen will display probe type information for the user. The connectorsystem can include a connector actuator or lock that can be manuallyactuated by the user to secure the male and female connector elements.In a preferred embodiment a lever is rotated from a first position to asecond position such that a cam element attached to the lever mates witha catch element on the cable connector element attached to the probecable. The lever pulls the connector in and also operates to push theconnector element out when actuated in the reverse direction therebyreducing the strain often caused by the user in pulling the cableconnector element out of the housing connector element.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the method for performing anultrasound scan on a region of interest of a patient includes connectinga probe to a portable processing unit with a connector system, lockingthe connector in place, employing the onboard identification circuit toidentify the probe and display probe information on the display prior tothe scan, entering patient information and performing the scan. Anotherpreferred embodiment of the invention includes a cart system in whichthe processor housing and display can be connected or docked with amobile station or cart having a control panel and a port assembly forreceiving one or more transducer probes.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the system and methodfor ultrasound imaging will be apparent from the following moreparticular description of preferred embodiments of the system and methodas illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like referencecharacters refer to the same parts throughout the different views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a portable ultrasound imaging system including ahand-held probe in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a modular portable system having a hand-heldultrasound transducer connected to a processing and display unit inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a single board computer and beamformer circuits thatform the processing unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate block diagrams of preferred embodiments of amodular, portable ultrasound system including a hand-held transducerassembly interfacing with a processing unit having the beamformerelectronics in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4C illustrates a single chip, N-channel, time-multiplexed multiplebeamforming processor with on-chip apodization and bandpass filter.

FIG. 5A illustrates a view of a stand alone portable ultrasoundprocessing and display unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded view of the ultrasound processing anddisplay unit shown in FIG. 5A in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a 10-inch and 12-inch display, respectively,that can be included in an ultrasound stand-alone unit in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an ultrasound processing and display unit inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate views of a single board computer included in theultrasound stand alone unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a view of the configuration of the computer boards ina stand alone ultrasound unit in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 10A-10F illustrate views of the ultrasound processing unitconfigured for different applications such as different processing unitconfigured in different applications such as different originalengineering manufacture (OEM) configurations and stand aloneconfigurations in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic drawing of an analog board included inan ultrasound processing unit in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic view of a digital board and a powersupply daughter board included in an ultrasound processing unit inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate the pin assignment of an electrically erasableprogrammable read only memory (EEPROM) and an electrically programmableread only memory integrated circuits, respectively, that can be includedin the ultrasound processing unit in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a semiconductor one-wire identification integratedcircuit chip installed in transducer assemblies in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15A illustrates a view of a graphical user interface display screenshowing the appropriate transducer parameters upon connection of atransducer probe with the ultrasound processing unit in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15B illustrates in tabular from characteristics of the ID chipsystem.

FIG. 15C illustrates a process sequence using the ID chip system.

FIG. 15D shows a schematic circuit diagram for a multiple connectorassembly in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 15E illustrates a schematic circuit diagram for a multiplexedmulticonnector system for transducer arrays.

FIG. 15F illustrates another preferred schematic circuit diagram for amulticonnector system for transducer arrays.

FIG. 16 illustrates an ultrasound processing unit and an ultrasoundtransducer connector in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate views of an ultrasound transducer connectorassembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the ultrasound transducer connectorassembly illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C illustrate detailed views of the ultrasoundtransducer connector assembly including sectional views in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates a view of an ultrasound processing unit with anultrasound transducer connector assembly having a lock in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate a close-up view of an ultrasound transducerconnector assembly inserted into a ultrasound processing unit and acut-away view of the inserted ultrasound transducer connector assembly,respectively, showing a sliding lever in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate views of an ultrasound transducer connectorassembly inserted into an ultrasound processing unit having a lever tosecure the connector assembly in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate further details of the lever and anexploded view of the lever assembly of an ultrasound processing unit inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 24A-24D illustrate different views of the ultrasound processingunit showing the ultrasound transducer connector assembly in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates a view of the ultrasound processing unit showing apartial view of the lever for the transducer connector assembly inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate further views of the ultrasound processingunit showing the ultrasound transducer connector assembly in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 27A-27C illustrate views of an ultrasound transducer connector inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 28A-28C illustrate views of an alternate embodiment of anultrasound transducer connector in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 29 illustrates a schematic view of an ultrasound system includingan ultrasound console having a remote hardware keypad in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 illustrates a schematic diagram of an ultrasound console inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 31A-31F illustrate preferred embodiments of a modular ultrasoundimaging system in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 32A-32D illustrate a preferred cart system for use in embodimentof a conjunction with a modular ultrasound imaging system in accordancewith the inventors.

FIG. 33 illustrates a modular system having a plurality of transducerconnectors.

FIG. 34 is a schematic circuit diagram of a modular cart system inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention The foregoingand other objects, features and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the following more particular description of preferredembodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings in which like reference characters refer to the same partsthroughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily toscale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention include modular, portableultrasound systems that can be used as a stand-alone system. Thepreferred embodiments integrate the display with the processing unitwhich is then connected to different ultrasound transducer probes.Preferred embodiments as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/386,360, filed on Mar. 11, 2003, the entire teachings of which areincorporated herein by reference, include a display integrated on theultrasound transducer. The operator can easily view the image andoperate the probe or scan head, as well as perform operations in thesame local area with the other hand. The data/video processing unit isalso compact and portable, and may be placed close to the operator oralternatively at a remote location. Optionally, in another embodiment, adisplay is also integrated into the data/video processing unit. Theprocessing unit also provides an external monitor port for use withtraditional display monitors.

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a portable ultrasoundimaging system 10 including a hand-held ultrasound transducer withintegrated display and a portable processing unit. The ultrasoundtransducer 14 comprises any of the standard ultrasound transducerarrays. The interface 12 delivers signals from the array 14 to aninterface processor housing 16 that can include a system controller andbeamformer as described in detail below. A second cable interface 11 caninclude a Firewire (IEEE 1394) connection delivering a beamformedrepresentation for further processing to a personal computer 15.

FIG. 2 illustrates a modular portable system having an ultrasoundtransducer connected to a processing and display unit in accordance withthe present invention. In this preferred embodiment, the video and powerwires for the display are integrated with the transducer data wires forthe transducer to form a single cable assembly 24 that connects theultrasound transducer to the portable data/video processing unit 26.

The data/video processing unit 16 is compact and portable. In apreferred embodiment, the beamformer electronics is an integral part ofthe processing unit and communicating with a single board computer 110using a Firewire (IEEE 1394) cable as illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 3 illustrates the single board computer and beamformer circuitsthat form the processing unit in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate block diagrams ofpreferred embodiments of a modular, portable ultrasound system includinga hand-held transducer assembly interfacing with a processing unit inaccordance with the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the beamformer electronics is moved insidethe processing unit to further reduce the size and weight of thehand-held transducer as illustrated in FIG. 4B. The processing unit 138can comprise a compact single board 44 computer and the beamformerelectronics as illustrated in FIG. 3. The beamformer electronicsincludes a digital processing printed circuit board and an analogprocessing printed circuit board 48. The beamforming electronicscommunicates with the single board computer via a Firewire (IEEE 1394)chip.

An operating environment for the system includes a processing systemwith at least one high speed processing unit and a memory system. Inaccordance with the practices of persons skilled in the art of computerprogramming, the present invention is described with reference to actsand symbolic representations of operations or instructions that areperformed by the processing system, unless indicated otherwise. Suchacts and operations or instructions are sometimes referred to as being“computer-executed”, or “processing unit executed.”

It will be appreciated that the acts and symbolically representedoperations or instructions include the manipulation of electricalsignals by the processing unit. An electrical system with data bitscauses a resulting transformation or reduction of the electrical signalrepresentation, and the maintenance of data bits at memory locations inthe memory system to thereby reconfigure or otherwise alter theprocessing unit's operation, as well as other processing of signals. Thememory locations where data bits are maintained are physical locationsthat have particular electrical, magnetic, optical, or organicproperties corresponding to the data bits.

The data bits may also be maintained on a computer readable mediumincluding magnetic disks, optical disks, organic disks, and any othervolatile or non-volatile mass storage system readable by the processingunit. The computer readable medium includes cooperating orinterconnected computer readable media, which exist exclusively on theprocessing system or is distributed among multiple interconnectedprocessing systems that may be local or remote to the processing system.

In an embodiment, the compact single board computer has a printedcircuit board size of a 5¼ inch disk drive or a 3½ inch disk drive. Oneembodiment of the present invention uses a NOVA-7800-P800 single boardcomputer in a 5¼ inch form factor, with a low power Mobile Pentium-III800 MHz processor, 512 Mbytes of memory, and has on board interfaceports for Firewire (IEEE 1394), local area network (LAN), Audio,integrated device electronics (IDE), personal computer memory cardinternational association (PCMCIA) and Flash memories.

For some dedicated applications, the entire ultrasound system includesthe hand-held ultrasound transducer with an integrated display and theportable data/video processing unit. The system can be operated withoutany controls other than power on/off. For other applications, the systemis equipped with an optional operator interface such as buttons andknobs, either on the processing unit, or integrated in the transducerassembly, or both. The processing unit can provide an additional videooutput to drive an external monitor, or optionally an integrated displayon the processing unit itself.

The microprocessor in FIG. 4B provides the functionality for downconversion, scan conversion, M-mode, Doppler processing, color flowimaging, power Doppler, spectral Doppler and post signal processing.

FIG. 4C illustrates a single chip, N-channel time-multiplexedbeamforming processor with on-chip apodization and bandpass filter inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Beamforming circuits in accordance with preferred embodiments aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,304, issued on Apr. 30, 2002, theentire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 5A illustrates a view of a stand alone portable ultrasoundprocessing and display unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. The processing unit includes a motherboard singleboard computer. In a preferred embodiment, the motherboard has thefollowing requirements that are fulfilled by a Pentium M, 512 MB of RAMor more, 10 GB hard drive, hard drive-free configuration. It includes aflash memory (approximately 1 GB) with a larger RAM (approximately 1GB). The display that can be integrated into the processing unit mayinclude a 10-inch or 12-inch display, having 1024×768 resolution, 200Nits brightness as a minimum (after touch screen), 250 desirable, 400:1contrast ratio, and have a large viewing angle. The ultrasound modulecan be connected using a 6 pin Firewire connection. The ultrasoundmodule operates with 12 watt as maximum power.

The graphical user interface includes a touch screen having no drift,and providing for finger operation (no RF pens). The ports for theprocessing unit include at least 2 universal serial bus (USB) ports toconnect an external keyboard, mouse, CDW, and an Ethernet port. Theprocessing unit provides for battery operation, two hours minimum atpeak processing power of 7 watt required for ultrasound.

A preferred embodiment of the processing unit provides for modularitywith a removable processing unit 208 residing inside the ultrasoundsystem. An ultrasound control pad module 212 and custom keyboard 204 canbe made removable or configurable. The module 200 itself can also beused as an outside remote control module (USB or wireless) or as an OEMbuilding block. The display module 202 can be made configurable (10-inchor 12-inch), Sun readable or configurable with different platforms. Themodule has a stand, as illustrated in FIG. 7. There is a protectivecover for the display and controls in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. The unit may be re-used as a stand.A probe holder may be located on the side or on the top of the unit. Inalternate preferred embodiments, the probe holder may also be engagedfrom the side when needed. The probe holder is easy to clean. A handleis provided for ease of carrying the unit. A universal mount thataccommodates different holders, for example, tripods, arms, stands, isprovided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The ultrasound unit can be docked and is rugged.

FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded view of the ultrasound processing anddisplay unit shown in FIG. 5A in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention. The unit 200 includes the modular display 202,the ultrasound processing unit 208 that includes the beamformingcircuitry, a keyboard 204, a control pad module 204, a battery module206 and the single board computer 214.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a 10-inch and 12-inch display, respectively,that can be included in an ultrasound stand-alone unit in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As describedhereinbefore, the display in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention provides a resolution of 1024×768 and a largeviewing angle.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an ultrasound processing and display unithaving a stand in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrates views of a single board computer included in theultrasound stand alone unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 8A illustrates a view of a single boardcomputer 270 used in the ultrasound portable unit including theinterface ports. The interfaces include video graphics adapter (VGA)281, a local area network (LAN) interface 282, a IEEE 1394 interface 283and a PS/2 bus interface 284 which has a microchannel architecture.Further, the interfaces include a universal serial bus (USB) interface285, a COM1 interface 286 which is a serial communications port, aPersonal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA)interface 297 for PC-cards and a CFII interface 288. FIG. 8B illustratesa view 300 of an embedded mobile Pentium III processor single boardcomputer with interfaces for VGA, LAN, audio, IEEE and video capture.

FIG. 9 illustrates a view of the configuration 310 of the computerboards in a stand alone ultrasound unit in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. An analog board 312 is spaced froma digital board 322. A transducer socket 314 having a at least a 160 pinsocket is provided. A power supply daughter board 320 is provided andspaced from the analog and digital boards by a separator 316. Aplurality of interfaces are also provided, for example, IEEE 1394interface 318, and a Deutsch Industrie Norm (DIN) connector 324 which isa multipin connector conforming to the specifications of the GermanNational Standards Organization.

FIGS. 10A-10F illustrate views of the ultrasound processing unitconfigured for different applications such as different processing unitconfigured in different applications such as different originalengineering manufacture (OEM) configurations and stand aloneconfigurations in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. A preferred embodiment includes the motherboard, displaydriver and ultrasound interface in the housing with the provisions forplug-in transducer arrays. An alternate embodiment includes stand-aloneunit with a plug-in transducer array.

FIG. 10A illustrates an OEM configuration having a basic aluminum boxwith mounting holes. FIG. 10B illustrates the ultrasound processorinside a housing. FIG. 10C illustrates the ultrasound processing unitinside a PC drive bay. FIG. 10D illustrates an OEM configuration withFIG. 10E is a view of a stand-alone configuration three transducerconnectors. A mutiplexor can be used to select which connector signalsare being processed. having an OEM housing, a single board computer, aLCD, and a battery module. FIG. 10F illustrates the processing unit thatcan be connected in an OEM configuration or be a stand-alone unit.

An interlock is included to sense if a probe is present and to determinethe calibration coefficient in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. A one wire identification (ID) chip foridentifying the transducer is included in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. The computer can be pre-programmedwith signal conditioning for each probe in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. By effectively connecting theprobe, the circuit identifies the probe and accesses the pre-programmedconditions for that probe. Calibration coefficients are stored for eachprobe in the memory of the processing unit. The system can includemultiple connection ports that allows for the connection of two or threeprobes to one system using a multiplexed interface.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic drawing of an analog board included inan ultrasound processing unit in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention. A transducer connector is accommodated inregion 452.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic view of a digital board 470 and a powersupply daughter board 472 included in an ultrasound processing unit inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Alsoprovided is a mini-DIN interface 474, and IEEE 1394 interfaces 476, 484.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate the pin assignment of an electrically erasableprogrammable read only memory (EEPROM) and an electrically programmableread only memory integrated circuits, respectively, that can be includedin the ultrasound processing unit in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13A illustrates a 4096 bits, one-wire EEPROM that assures absoluteidentity as no two parts are alike. The memory is partitioned intosixteen 256-bit pages for packetizing data. This EEPROM identifies andstores relevant information about each ultrasound transducer to which itis associated. It is easily interfaced with using a single port pin of amicrocontroller. The 4 Kb, one-wire EEPROM can be, for example, but notlimited to a DS2433 circuit provided by Dallas Semiconductor.

FIG. 13B illustrates, for example, a DS2502/5/6 UNW UniqueWare™ add onlymemory chip provided by Dallas Semiconductor. The EPROM can be a 1024bits, 16 kbits or 65 kbits memory and can communicate with the economyof one signal plus ground.

Preferred embodiment of the medical ultrasound systems use manytransducers depending upon the application. These systems also identifywhich transducer is attached at any given time in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

In addition to identifying the transducer type, preferred embodimentsalso identify the individual probe of the same type, such thatcalibration information can be associated with a particular probe. Theone-wire ID circuits described with respect to FIGS. 13A and 13B provideidentification of each transducer and corresponding calibrationinformation by installing the semiconductor one-wire identificationchips in each transducer assembly as shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 14illustrates a semiconductor one-wire identification integrated circuitchip installed in transducer assemblies in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

Each ID chip has a unique serial number, plus a writable/readable memoryfor storage of calibration or additional identification data. In anultrasound application of a preferred embodiment, the serial number andprobe type information are accessed from memory upon probe insertion.The information is used to call up the appropriate transducer parametersand the new probe is then made available to the user on the displayscreen, as shown in FIG. 15A. FIG. 15A illustrates a view of a graphicaluser interface display screen showing the appropriate transducerparameters upon connection of a transducer probe with the ultrasoundprocessing unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

In addition to the identification, each transducer is unique and it isdesirable to calibrate out these differences in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, softwareexecutable instructions are provided by the ultrasound applicationscontrol for storing and retrieving individual calibration data to the IDchip. Examples of calibration differences can include electrical,acoustic and mechanical differences. These may be used, but are notlimited to, procedures such as mounting of needle guides for biopsy,three-dimensional positioning sensing devices and transducer elementvariation calibration.

A method of probe type identification is usually provided by usingmultiple connector pins which are tied to logic zero or one. Todifferentiate between 32 probe types, 5 connector wires are required. Inthe one-wire method, only a single wire is required, and the data ispassed between the probe and the host system serially.

The invention incorporates a read/writable non-volatile memory chip (IDchip) in the transducer termination board, as shown in FIG. 14. Anexample of the memory chip is the Dallas Semiconductor DS2433 One-wireIdenfication chip with 4096 bits of non-volatile storage. Othernon-volatile read/writable memory can be used, but the One-wire chip hasthe advantage of using only one signal wire and one ground wire, anddoes not require additional pins for power supply. The identificationcircuit can also include a radio frequenge wireless link that connectsto the probe housing to identify the type of probe sending data to theultrasound system.

The memory of the ID chip is organized as 128 words of 32 bits wide,divided into four segments: The IDENTIFICATION segment, the USAGEsegment, the FACTORY segment and the USER segment shown in FIG. 15B.

The IDENTIFICATION segment holds the information which identifies thetransducer type and hardware revision and serial number. The UltrasoundApplication reads these information when a transducer is attached to asystem and performs the appropriate set up based on the transducer typeand hardware revisions. This segment is written at the factory and isnot modifiable by the user.

The USAGE segment holds the statistical information about the usage ofthe transducer. The first entry logs the serial number and date when thetransducer is first used outside of the factory (the Inauguration SystemSerial # and Date code). The second and third entries in this segmentlogs the serial number and the date of the two systems most recently thetransducer was attached to. The Date Code values are Julian date of theconection date minus the Julian date of Jan. 1, 2000. The 16 bit datecode field can sotre dates of more than a century starting from the year2000. The 16 but date code filed can store dates of more than a centurystarting from the year 2000. The fourth word of the USAGE segment is acounter which increments once per 5 minutes when a transducer isattached and activated in a system. These statistical information areupdated in the field by the Ultrasound Application software, and is notmodifiable by the user. The values are set to zeros before thetransducer leaves the factory. These statistical information are readand recorded when a transducer is returned to the factory for service.

The FACTORY segement holds the factory calibration information for thetransducer. Examples of factory calibration data are the per elementgain and propagation delay fine adjustments. When a transducer isattached and activated by the Ultrasound Application, the applicationfirst reads the transducer ID information from the IDENTIFICATIONsegment and loads up the appropriate set ups for that particulartransducer type. The application then reads the FACTORY segement andapplies the fine adjustments to the transducer set up. This segment iswritten at the factory and is not modifiable by the user.

The USER segment is reserved for the end user to store post-factorycalibration data. Example of post-factory calibration data are positioninformation of needle guide brackets and 3-D position sensing mechanism.The USER segment is the only segment which the user application softwarecan modify.

FIG. 15C shows the software flow-chart of a typical transducermanagement module within the ultrasound application program.

When a TRANSDUCER ATTACHE event is detected, the Transducer ManagementSoftware Module first reads the Transducer Type ID and hardware revisioninformation from the IDENTIFICATION Segment. The information is used tofetch the particular set of transducer profile data from the hard diskand load it into the memory of the application program. The softwarethen reads the adjustment data from the FACTORY Segment and aplies theadjustments to the profile data just loaded into memory. The softwaremodule then sends a TRANSDUCER ATTACHE Message to the main ultrasoundapplication program, which uses the transducer profile already loadedand perform ultrasound imaging. The Transducer Management SoftwareModule then waits for either a TRANSDUCER DETACH event, or the elapse of5 minutes. If a TRANSDUCER DETACH is detected, the transducer profiledata set is removed from memory and the module goes back to wait foranother TRANSDUCER ATTACHE event. If a 5 minutes time period expireswithout TRANSDUCER DETACH, the software module increments the CumulativeUsage Counter in the USAGE Segment, and waits for another 5 minutesperiod or a TRANSDUCER DETACH event.

There are many types of ultrasound transducers. They differ by geometry,number of elements, and frequency response. For example, a linear arraywith center frequency of 10 to 15 MHz is better suited for breastimaging, and a curved array with center frequency of 3 to 5 MHz isbetter suited for abdominal imaging.

It is often necessary to use different types of transducers for the sameor different ultrasound scanning sessions. For ultrasound systems withonly one transducer connection, the operator will change the transducerprior to the start of a new scanning session.

In some applications, it is necessary to switch among different types oftransducers during one ultrasound scanning session. In this case, it ismore convenient to have multiple transducers connected to the sameultrasound system, and the operator can quickly switch among theseconnected transducers by hitting a button on the operator console,without having to physically detach and re-attach the transducers, whichtakes a longer time.

The switching among different connected transducers can be implementedeither by arrays of relays 554 as seen in FIG. 15E, or by arrays of highvoltage Multiplexer integrated circuits 556, as seen in FIG. 15F(switching between two 128 elements transducers). These relays orMUXVIC's form an additional layer of circuits between the ultrasoundtransmitter/receiver circuits and the transducer connectors.

The present invention utilizes a system that performed a method ofmulti-transducer switching using multiple Transmit/Receive integratedcircuits 562, 564 as seen in FIG. 15D, without the use of relays orcommercial multiplexer integrated circuits. A typical two transducerswitching circuit using an integrated circuits in accordance with theinvention deliver signals to the amplifier and beamformer circuit 565.

The Transmit/Receive integrated circuit includes multiple channeldevices with a programmable waveform generator and high voltage driverfor each transducer element, and a receive routing circuit for eachelement pair. The receive output is programmable to receive fromtransducer element 566 or 568 of the element pair, or turned off. Theoutputs of multiple integrated circuits are wired together. Connectionto diferent transducers in the same system is achieved by programmingthe On/Off states of individual receive channels amoung the multipleintegrated circuits, and by programming the transmit sequence of each ofthe transmit channels on all of the integrated circuits.

One advantage of this approach is the higher intergration over the useof commercial available relays and multiplexer chips, especially whencompared to a relay switching approach, because relays are mechanicaldevices and are generally larger. There are two versions of these,Transmit/Receive integrated circuits, one version has 64 transducerelement channels and another version has 32 transducer channels. Thishigh channel count integration of at least 32 channels combined with thesmall high pin density transducer connector, allows implementation of amultiple transducer configuration in a very compact size.

Another advantage is the elimination of an extra circuit layer, whencompared to the multiplexer chips approach. Typical commercialmultiplexer chips suitable for ultrasound channel switching typicallyhave an ON resistance of greater than 20 ohms (example, SupertexHV20220), and therefore have measureable attenuation of both thetransmit and receive signals compared with a direct connection in asingle transducer system. The present approach has identicaltransmit/receive circuit for single transducer system, or multipletransducers system, with no additional signal attenuation resulting fromadding the multiple transducers switching function.

Yet another advantage of the present approach is the added ability tooperate a very large element count transducer with a true full transmitaperture. For example, a 128 channel ultrasound engine can operate a 768element linear array by adding a one to six multiplexer array. Atraditional implementation using relays of multiplexers can switch amongsix segements of 128 elements each across the entire 768 elements at anyone time. The present approach will have 768 programmable transmitter,and therefore can use any size of transmit aperture anywhere ontransducer array, including using the entire 768 element at the sametime. The ability to use larger than 128 element transmit apertureallows the ultrasound system to have better penetration and resolution,compared to systems that are limited to 128.

FIG. 16 illustrates an ultrasound processing unit and an ultrasoundtransducer connector in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. An ultrasound transducer is coupled to its associatedultrasound processing unit 572 via a cable, which is routed into anultrasound transducer connector assembly 574 and, mates with acorresponding terminal located on ultrasound console. A sliding lever isincluded to secure the connector to the processing unit.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate views of an ultrasound transducer connectorassembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The ultrasound transducer connector assembly 18 shows aconnector housing. FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the ultrasoundtransducer connector assembly illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Anelectrical connector 606 may have 160 contacts or more. The connectorassembly housing 604, 610 interfaces with a cable 602 which in turn iscoupled to an ultrasound transducer.

FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C illustrate detailed views of the ultrasoundtransducer connector assembly including sectional views in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A cable 640 isattached to a first end of connector housing element 630. A close-upview 620 of connector assembly element 620 is seen in FIG. 19A. A sideview 650 is shown in FIG. 19C.

The movable connector component has electrical contacts that mate withthe stationary connector component having stationary electrical contactson the processing unit. For mating, the movable connector component isbrought towards the stationary connector component. Initially, there isa gap separating the movable electrical contacts from stationaryelectrical contacts, so that the contacts are not subjected to anyfriction or insertion force. A locking mechanism draws in the movableconnector component which is received in a recess of the stationaryconnector component. The lever slides from right to left causing themovable connector component to close into the recess and contact thecorresponding stationary electrical contacts to make an electricalconnection. The ultrasound transducer connectors minimize the physicalstress exerted upon their electrical contacts, thus avoiding wear andpotential damage to the contacts.

FIG. 20 illustrates a view of an ultrasound processing unit with anultrasound transducer connector assembly 674 having a lock 672 inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIGS.21A and 21B illustrate a close-up view of an ultrasound transducerconnector assembly inserted into a ultrasound processing unit and acut-away view of the inserted ultrasound transducer connector assembly,respectively, showing a sliding lever in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. The connector is drawn in the endof the housing when inserted and locked and is ejected when detached.The connector assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention allows for a one-hand operation. A preferredembodiment of the present invention includes a sash lock similar to awindow lock. The lever includes a lever action which also yields asignificant mechanical advantage as it translates insertion force to alateral action of the lock. The lever for the connector assembly isresistant to abusive use as it has rails which act with the lever toeliminate twists applied to the connector. A rotating catch is used toeject the connector after use.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate views of an ultrasound transducer connectorassembly inserted into an ultrasound processing unit 700 having a lever732 shown in the detailed portion 720, to secure the connector assemblyin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate further details 730 of the lever 732 and anexploded view 740 of the lever assembly of an ultrasound processing unitin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thelever assembly includes a spring 742 which being a resilient member,assists in drawing the lever 744 into the locked position.

FIGS. 24A-24D illustrate several views of the ultrasound processing unitshowing the ultrasound transducer connector assembly in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention. Circuit boards aremounted in FIGS. 24B and 24C along with the connector assembly inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates a view of the ultrasound processing unit 800 showinga partial view of the lever for the transducer connector assembly inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate further views 810, 820 of the ultrasoundprocessing unit showing the ultrasound transducer connector assembly inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 27A-27C illustrate views of an ultrasound transducer connector inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In apreferred embodiment the maximum voltage of the ultrasound transducerconnector can be 100 volts. The connector can include 160 or 240 pins ormore. The base plate protects the pins and rises up into position duringprinted circuit board insertion. In one embodiment the connectorassembly includes, but is not limited to, a Molex® 53941 right angledocking station board-to-board shielded plug.

FIGS. 28A-28C illustrate views of an alternate embodiment of anultrasound transducer connector in accordance with the presentinvention. In this preferred embodiment the connector assembly includes,but is not limited to, a Molex® 54145 right angle docking stationboard-to-board shielded receptacle. Alternatively, a molex®3441connector can be used. The specification of these connectors beingincorporated herein by reference. These a small high density pinconnectors having a pin pitch of less than 1 mm, and preferably 0.8 mmor less. The connectors can have 160 pins, 192 pins, 250 pins or more.When this system is used in connection with the insertion and releasemechanism described in connection with FIGS. 20-26, this provides asecure and reliable connection assembly that fits within a smaller andlighter assembly for portable applications. Note that there is a probepresent pin is an interlock to indicate that a probe has been insertedcorrectly.

FIG. 31 illustrates a schematic view of an ultrasound system includingan ultrasound console having a remote hardware keypad in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system includes aconsole 950 connected with a USB/PS/2 interface to a host computer 960.

FIG. 32 illustrates a schematic diagram of an ultrasound console inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Auniversal serial bus (USB) console is used for a remote hardware keypad.This hardware user interface in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention displaces a software graphical user interfaceand allows any ultrasound imaging control function to be accessed via acontrol keypad. The controls are communicated with a host computerthrough a USB port.

In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasound console includes a USB deviceand USB Driver which is implemented with a FTDI USB245M controller chip,for example. This integrated chip is simple as it can be integrated intothe console without requiring a custom device driver. The USB Consoleuses the FTDI supplied dynamic link library (DLL) device driver inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The console in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is made up of at least four types of hardware functions:buttons, potentiometers, trackball, and LEDs. The buttons are momentaryswitches. The architecture in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention allows for 128 buttons. The potentiometers areeither linear slide potentiometers for time gain control (TGC), orrotary dials for GAINs. Each potentiometer can have a position readingbetween 0 and 255. A digital potentiometer with clickers is consideredto be a button, not a potentiometer in the preferred embodiments. Oneembodiment includes 11 potentiometers: 8 slide switches numbered from 0to 7, for TGC and three rotary dial potentiometers numbered 8 to 10.

In a preferred embodiment, a trackball is a stand-alone unit whichcommunicates with the host system via a PS/2 interface or USB interface.The trackball may go to the host system directly, or combined with theconsole the USB interface via a USB hub.

In a preferred embodiment, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are provided onthe console and can be individually addressed to turn on or off. Apreferred embodiment has 8 LEDs, numbered from 0 to 7, and the LEDs arelocated at the buttons #0 to 7 respectively.

A preferred embodiment includes a software interface protocol from theconsole to a host system. When a button is pressed or a potentiometerposition is changed, a three byte message is sent from the console tothe host. Tables 1 and 2 illustrate, respectively, the message sent byusing a button and a potentiometer in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. TABLE 1 Button Message Bit 7 6 5 43 2 1 0 Byte #0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Byte #1 0 Button number Byte #2 X X X XX X X X

TABLE 2 Potentiometer Message Bit 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Byte #0 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 Byte #1 0 Potentiometer number Byte #2 Potentiometer position value

The host may send a “Query” command to the console, and the consoleresponds by sending Potentiometer Messages for every potentiometer onthe console in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Messages can be sent back-to-back in a preferred embodiment.

A preferred embodiment also includes a software interface protocol froma host system to a console. The host can send messages to the console toturn LEDs on/off, or to query the current readings of everypotentiometer. Tables 3, 4 and 5 provide the LED-On message, LED-Offmessage and a query message, respectively, in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. TABLE 3 LED-ON MessageBit 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Byte #0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Byte #1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Byte#2 0 LED number

TABLE 4 LED-OFF Message Bit 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Byte #0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Byte#1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Byte #2 0 LED number

TABLE 5 Query Message Bit 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Byte #0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Byte#1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Byte #2 0 X X X X X X X

FIG. 30 illustrates the USB console for remote key pad in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is a hardwareuser interface and allows any ultrasound imaging control function to beaccessed via a “traditional” control key pad. The control keys include,trackball with right and left enter keys, dedicated Freeze/live key,dedicated Save key, 8 Slide potentiometers each with a lateral movementto control the TGC gain, dedicated overall B-mode gain control pot,dedicated overall Color Flow Imaging gain control potentiometer,dedicated overall Pulsed Wave Spectral Doppler gain control pot,dedicated B-mode selection key, dedicated Power Doppler-mode selectionkey, dedicated Color Flowing Imaging-mode selection key, dedicatedPulsed Wave Spectral Doppler selection key, dedicated M-mode selectionkey, and dedicated Triplex selection key.

An LED is provided on each mode selection key. Once a mode is selectedby a user, the selected mode-control key lights up.

The basic module system of the present invention is an externalperipheral 16, 26 to a personal computer as shown generally in FIGS. 1-3or a basic system configuration of the system pairs it with anoff-the-shelf notebook computer with a firewire port. An importantadvantage of this configuration is that the system gets its power fromthe notebook computer via the single Firewire cable. No additional powersupply is needed. The combination of the peripheral 16, 26 and thenotebook computer can both run on the battery of the computer, makingthe system very portable.

The modular system can be structured as a transformable system: a fullyportable ultrasound system consisting of the ultrasound module and anotebook computer in a single portable suitcase, and which can beconverted into a full feature cart system for stationary use.

The suitcase configuration shown in FIGS. 31A-31F integrates theultrasound module and the notebook computer into a single suitcasepackage. An off-the-shelf consumer notebook computer 1004 with controlpanel or keyboard 1008 and display 1006 is secured to the suitcase usinga low cost molded bracket 1005 shaped for the particular notebook model.Alternate notebook computer models can be used with a different moldedbracket.

As seen in FIG. 31F, the ultrasound module 1018 is situated in the base1016 and base cover 1015 and top 1012. A handle 1002 can be extendedfrom the housing base 1010 so that a user can carry the system with onehand. The system can be connected to, or dock with a console of a cartsystem seen in FIGS. 32A-32D this embodiment of the invention utilizes amobile cart system for use in connection with a portable ultrasoundimaging system. Shown in FIG. 33 is a system having a plurality oftransducer cable connectors 1144, 1146. This system can use theswitching systems described in connection with FIGS. 15D-15F, forexample.

The cart system 1100 uses a base assembly 1108 and a USB hub 1220. Thebase assembly can be connected to a docking bay 1222 that receives theprocessor housing 1000. A preferred embodiment of the docking bay systemas seen in FIG. 34 provides electrical interface connections between thebase assembly and the processor housing at docking connector 1205. Thebase assembly can further include a control panel 1150 such that theuser can control certain operations of the ultrasound system usingcontrol elements on the control panel 1150.

The cart configuration docks the suitcase module 1000 to a cart 1100with a full operator console 1118. Once docked, the cart and thesuitcase together forms a full feature roll-about system 1200 shown inthe schematic control circuit diagram of FIG. 34. that may have otherperipherals added, such as printers and video recorders. The dockingmechanism is a simple, cable-less mating connection, very much like thedesk top docking station for a notebook computer. This easy dockingscheme allows the user to quickly attach or detach the suitcase toconvert the system between stationary use (cart), and portable use.

The user console 1118 on the cart is designed with a USB interface. Theelectronics on the console gets its power from the USB bus from thebattery in housing 100, eliminating the need for an additional powersource. However, parts 1211 and 1362 with transformer 1360 and outlets1324, 1326 can also be used for power distribution and access. The userconsole is attached to the notebook computer via the USB port of thenotebook computer, routed through the docking connector of the suitcase.

An alternate design of the user console 1118 duplicates the cart baseconsole design in a smaller portable console with the same USBinterface. This portable console can be plugged into the suitcasewithout the cart.

With a USB powered console, the cart system can operate solely on thenotebook computer battery without the need for being connected to thewall AC power outlet, or, when the cart system is running on wall ACpower, it can continue to operate during power outage.

The cart system duplicates many of the notebook computer peripheralports so that the cart system has as much features as a full blowncomputer, such as network connection 1203 and printer ports second USBhub 1320 to printer 1340. A VOR, 1350 can receive S Video throughdocking connections 1205, 1222 from processor 1004. There is also anSvideo port 1207. The first USB hub 1220 is connected via docking partswith the computer USB port and with the second hub 1320. Controlelements 1150 can be used to operate the cart system 1200 through hub1220. The portable system 1000 has one or more connector and beamformersystem 1014 with 1394 interface an EKG port 1208, a microphane port1204, ethernet port 1203, USB port 1202, Svideo port 1207 and poweraccess 1201. The console 1118 has power access 1211, ethernet 1212, USBport 1213, microphane 1216 and EKG port 1214. DC 1302 and USB 1306connections run from the console to the lower base unit6 1300.

In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the principles ofthe present invention can be applied, it should be understood that theillustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken aslimiting the scope of the present invention. For example, the steps ofthe flow diagrams may be taken in sequences other than those described,and more or fewer elements may be used in the block diagrams. Whilevarious elements of the preferred embodiments have been described asbeing implemented in software, other embodiments in hardware or firmwareimplementations may alternatively be used, and vice-versa.

It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that methodsinvolved in the system and method for determining and controllingcontamination may be embodied in a computer program product thatincludes a computer usable medium. For example, such a computer usablemedium can include a readable memory device, such as, a hard drivedevice, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a computer diskette, having computerreadable program code segments stored thereon. The computer readablemedium can also include a communications or transmission medium, suchas, a bus or a communications link, either optical, wired, or wirelesshaving program code segments carried thereon as digital or analog datasignals.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order orelements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments thatcome within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalentsthereto are claimed as the invention.

1. An ultrasound imaging system comprising: an ultrasound imageprocessor housing having a display and a first docking connector; a baseassembly that receives the processor housing, the base assembly having asecond docking connector; and a control element on the base assemblythat controls an operation of an image processor in the processorhousing such that ultrasound image data are displayed on the display. 2.The system of claim 1 further comprising a transducer probe connector onthe processor housing.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the processorfurther comprises an outer housing having the first docking connector, acomputer, the display and beamformer housing.
 4. The system of claim 3wherein the beamformer housing further comprises a plurality oftransducer connectors.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein each transducerconnector is connected to a transmit and receive circuit.
 6. The systemof claim 5 wherein each transmit and receive circuit is connected to adigital control circuit and a beamforming circuit.
 7. The system ofclaim 2 wherein the transducer connector includes a housing connectorelement having a lock assembly.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein thelock assembly comprises a manually activated lever that mates with acatch on a transducer probe connector element.
 9. The system of claim 1further comprising a transducer identification circuit.
 10. The systemof claim 1 wherein the base assembly further comprises a console, thecontrol element being mounted to the console.
 11. The system of claim 1wherein the base assembly further comprises a first universal serial bus(USB) hub.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein the first USB hub isconnect to a printer mounted on the base assembly.
 13. The system ofclaim 10 wherein the console further comprises a second USB hub that isconnected to the second docking connector.
 14. The system of claim 1wherein the control element compromises a plurality of controls thatcontrol operations of the image processor.
 15. The system of claim 3wherein the beamformer housing includes a beamformer device and aFirewire interface connected to the computer.
 16. The system of claim 1wherein the image processor housing further comprises an ethernet port,a USB port, as video port, a microphone port, an EKG port, and a powersource connector.
 17. The system of claim 1 wherein the base assemblyfurther comprises a VCR.
 18. The system of claim 13 wherein the secondUSB hub is connected to the control element, a second ethernet port, asecond USB port and the first USB hub.
 19. The system of claim 2 whereinthe transducer probe connector comprises a probe identification circuit.20. The system of claim 19 wherein the probe identification circuitcomprises a radio frequency link to a transducer probe to identify thetype of probe transmitting signals to the processor housing.
 21. Thesystem of claim 2 wherein the connector has at least 160 pins and apitch between pins of less than 1 mm.
 22. The system of claim 21 whereinthe connector has at least 250 pins.
 23. The system of claim 21 whereinthe pitch between pins is 0.8 mm or less.
 24. The system of claim 21wherein the probe connector comprises an insertion device.
 25. Thesystem of claim 24 wherein the insertion device comprises a lever thatengages the probe connector.
 26. The system of claim 24 wherein theinsertion device comprises a lock assembly.
 27. The system of claim 25wherein the lever has a mating surface that mates with a catch on theprobe cable connector.
 28. The system of claim 1 further comprising abeamformer housing comprising a beamformer, a system controller, amemory, a standard communication interface and a connector that connectsthe beamformer housing to a transducer probe cable.
 29. The system ofclaim 1 further comprising a plurality of computer programs stored on acomputer in the processor housing, the programs including a scanconversion program, a doppler processing program and a transuceridentification program.
 30. A portable ultrasound imaging systemcomprising: a probe housing including a transducer array; a processorhousing including a port for receiving ultrasound image data from theprobe housing; and a probe identification circuit in the housing, theprobe identification circuit identifying each of a plurality of probesthat can communicate image data to the processor housing.
 31. The systemof claim 30 further comprising a cable that connects the probe housingto the processor housing with a connector system.
 32. The system ofclaim 31 further comprising a cable connector element and a housingconnector element that can be attached with a lock assembly.
 33. Thesystem of claim 32 wherein the lock assembly includes a manuallyactuated lever that is attached to the housing and having a matingsurface that mates with a catch on the cable connector element.
 34. Thesystem of claim 30 wherein the probe identification circuit comprises anintegrated circuit mounted on a connector system assembly in theprocessor housing.
 35. The system of claim 34 wherein the probeidentification circuit comprises a one-wire identification circuit. 36.The system of claim 34 wherein the probe identification circuitcomprises a programmable, writable and readable memory to storecalibration information.
 37. The system of claim 30 wherein theprocessor housing further comprises a display and a control panel. 38.The system of claim 30 wherein the processor housing includes abeamforming circuit, a system controller and an image processor.
 39. Thesystem of claim 38 further comprising an analog to digital converterthat receives beamformed data and a Firewire interface that deliversconverted beamformed data to the image processor.
 40. A method ofimaging a region of interest with ultrasound energy comprising:providing a portable ultrasound imaging system including a transducerarray within a handheld probe, a cable interface that is connected to adata processor housing having a data processing system, and a peripheraldevice inserted into a port of the processor housing, the peripheraldevice including a connector for the cable interface, a beamformingdevice and a system controller connected to the beamforming device,providing output signals from the data processor to the handheld probeto actuate the transducer array; delivering ultrasound energy to theregion of interest; collecting ultrasound energy returning to thetransducer array from the region of interest; transmitting data from thehandheld probe to the processor housing with the cable interface; andperforming a beamforming operation with the beamforming device in theperipheral device such that the data processing system receives abeamformed electronic representation of the region of interest from thebeamforming device.
 41. The method of claim 40 further comprisingproviding a peripheral device including a Firewire interface.
 42. Themethod of claim 40 further comprising providing a probe identificationcircuit in the peripheral device.
 43. A portable ultrasound system forimaging a region of interest comprising: a handheld probe in which atransducer array is mounted; and a data processing system within a dataprocessor housing the housing including an electronic device that isconnected to the handheld probe with a cable interface, such that thedata processing system receives a representation of the region ofinterest, from the electronic device using a communication interface theelectronic device including a programmable beamforming device and asystem controller connected to the beamforming device.
 44. The system ofclaim 43 further comprising a Firewire connection between the electronicdevice and the data processing system.
 45. The system of claim 43further comprising a probe identification circuit.
 46. A connectordevice for a Transducer probe of an ultrasound imaging systemcomprising: A transducer probe having a cable and a first connector; acircuit housing having a second connector that receives ultrasound imagesignals from the transducer probe; the second connector having anactuator that engages the first connector.
 47. The connector of claim 46wherein the actuator comprises a lever that moves from a releaseposition to an engage position.
 48. The method of claim 43 wherein saidgas sampling unit is communicatively coupled to a communicationsnetwork.
 49. The connector of claim 46 wherein the first connector hasfeature that is engaged by the actuator to move the second connectorinto the first connector as the actuator moves from a first position toa second position.
 50. The connector of claim 46 wherein the connectorhas at least 160 pins and a pin pitch of less than 1 mm.
 51. Theconnector of claim 50 wherein the connector has at least 250 pins and apin pitch of 0.8 mm or less.
 52. The connector of claim 46 wherein theactuator has a cam element.
 53. The connector of claim 46 whereinmovement of the actuator from an engage position to a release positiondisengages the second connector from the first connector.
 54. A methodof using a connector assembly for an ultrasound system comprising:moving a connector actuator from a first position to a second positionto engage a housing connector of an ultrasound imaging device with atransducer probe connector.
 55. The method of claim 54 furthercomprising identifying the transducer probe with a probe identificationcircuit.
 56. The method of claim 55 further comprising storing probeidentification data in a memory.
 57. The method of claim 54 furthercomprising providing an identification circuit mounted on the housingconnector.
 58. The method of claim 54 further comprising actuating acomputer program that accesses transducer data from a database inaccordance with an identified transducer.
 59. The mehtod of claim 58further comprising modifying the transducer data or sending a transducerattach signal to an application program or update a usage history orincrement a transducer usage counter or record a transducer detachsignal.
 60. A method of using a modular ultrasound imaging systemcomprising; Connecting an image processor housing to a base assembly;and operating a control element on the base assembly to actuate anultrasound imaging operation using the image processor housing.
 61. Themethod of claim 60 further comprising providing a base assemblyincluding a cart having a console with a docking port a plurality ofcontrol elements to activate display of image data on a display attachedto the processor housing
 62. The method of claim 60 further comprisingproviding a processor housing having a laptop personal computer having astandard graphical user interface having a Windows® format, the computerbeing connected to a beamformer housing within the processor housingusing a firewire interface.
 63. The method of claim 61 furthercomprising providing a console having a first USB hub connected to USBport of the processor housing and connected to a second USB hub in thebase assembly.
 64. The method of claim 60 further comprising providing aplurality of transducer connectors on the processor housing.
 65. Themethod of claim 60 further comprising providing an ethernet port, andSviseo port, an EKG port and a microphone port